Feeling weightless in a Tyrolean spa

I like autumn, I really do. It’s the most beautiful of seasons. It’s just that we’ve had such a wet summer up here in Scandinavia this year. Warm summer rain has simply turned into cold autumn rain. As days are getting shorter and work busier than ever, I think back on an all-too-brief stay at Aquadome, Tyrol’s biggest – and, dare I say it – most creatively designed spa. A few days here would go over nicely right now. Unplugged days!

The buildings look like they have sprung from the ground, clerverly blending into the surrounding valley..

Floating pools

The coolest feature of this Alpine spa is the three thermal pools shaped like floating bowls. You’ll feel weightless.

Amble to the spa in your bathrobe

Aquadome is a local favourite, a fun day out for the whole family. But if you’re from further afield, you may want to stay at the adjoined hotel, connected with tunnels, so you can walk all the way in a bathrobe.

Of course, Central Europe means nude spas and Aquadome is no exception. No worries, there’s a special little section for the more modest amongst us. There’s a large gym, too. Exercise machines have individual TV-screens, just in case the views don’t interest you.

If gymnastics of the mind is more what you’re after, Aquadome offers a library as well.

And a Stilleraum, a silent room for quiet contemplation.

Indoor and outdoor dining with a view.

Afterwards, it’s easy to work off a few calories with these fun eBikes.

Practicals

Aquadome is in the Ötztal Valley and Innbruck is the nearest airport. There are trains or a bus going directly from Innsbruck to Längenfeld.

Three hours in the spa cost €18 on weekdays, or €20,50 on weekends. Day passes are €24,50 or €26,50, respectively. Half price for children 3 – 13, and family tickets are available.

How about you? Does a quick spa break right about now sound all right to you?

Disclosure: I stayed at Aquadome as a guest of the Austrian Tourist Board. As ever, all opinions are of course my own.

Well, I don’t know if I can stand the feeling of weightlessness, but the surroundings looks like a definite plus to go. But this is another country I skipped out on when I was touring Europe. I keep having regrets. Nice to keep tabs for next time.

I’ve stayed somewhere similar in Austria, but the setting wasn’t as dramatic as this one. Those mountains rising out of the valley floor look amazing. My only slight reservation is the full nudity – fine in the spa, but slightly disconcerting on the sun decks!